The TIU Trojans Men's Soccer Team Defeat the Pilots of Bethel College (Ranked 10th in the country)

The 2-0 victory over Bethel College (ranked #10 in the country) will not be forgotten any time soon. It was by far the Trojans best game this season. Bethel had a very well organized squad but could not top the Trojans hard work and determination.

First half began with both teams studying each others weaknesses and neither one was taking risk in the attacking field. Slowly the Trojans started controlling the game pace and setting the standard for the rest of the match.

At the 25th minute Junior Mark Wilcox sent a long ball of a free kick from behind midfield. What seemed to be an easy save for the goal keeper turned out to be TIU's first goal of the match. The ball sailed over the heads of all of the field players and slipped right trough the keeper's hands. TIU one, Bethel zero.

The rest of first half was very intense and physical. Every once in a while Bethel would connect a good counter-attack but the Trojan's defense did their job and kept the ball from becoming a threat.

Second Half began even more electrifying. The mid-field became a battle ground as both teams fought hard to get possession. Bethel wasn't going to give an easy victory away. Even though there was a lot of pressure, TIU stood its ground and did not give in to it.

Towards the end of second-half Bethel had two solid chances to score. The first one came off a cross to the far post that ended up in a very nice volley. It sure looked nice, but it wasn't good enough to get in the back of the net. The second opportunity sure made some hearts skip beats. A hard shot from around 25 yards hit right were the crossbar meets the post.

The Trojans did not let those get into their heads and went on playing good defense as they patiently waited for a good chance of a counter. As the game got closer to its end Bethel couldn't keep their intensity and their possibilities to tie the game began to slim down as the Trojans chances to score slightly increased. Their patience paid off, in the 88th minute Kyle Bacon sped off from mid field towards the goal followed by a bethel defender and his younger brother Travis Bacon. As Bacon got closer to the goal and the defender got even closer, Travis opened up to the right. Kyle got tangled up with Bethel's defender but managed to toe poke the ball to his brother who cut inside and shot as the keeper moved out of his line. That was the game winner and it was only a matter of seconds for the team to celebrate their 4th and most important victory of the season.

Another victory made today even more special as TIU's and Bethel's Reserve teams played each other on the preliminary match. TIU's reserves record is now 2-2-2. Just as the latter seniors game the reserves match was very intense and physical. First half ended with the reserves playing their best match so far. Second half worked out better for the Trojans as they managed to get the ball moving around in a more dangerous way. On the 20th minute freshman Victor Alfaro scored his first goal of the season off a cross from Esteban Nevarez. Bethel's reserves managed to tie the game shortly after but that was pretty much all they really did in that half. With patience the Trojans reserves managed to get back into their game and in the 37th minute senior Eric Chesney scored a goal after a beautiful build up performed by Esteban and Victor. Bethel tried to pressure on the last minutes but it just wasn't enough. Today was Trinity's day on the pitch.

All of us are very thankful for the support that many have given us, either by showing up on the field, sending encouraging emails and by praying. They all matter and are very important and essential for our season to be a successful one. Please keep us in your hearts and prayers as the season goes on. Our next match will be at our Home field against Calumet on Saturday, September 23rd at 2 PM. See you all there!

In Him

TIU Men's Soccer Team